"The Charleston Academy of Music is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Your tax-deductible gift allows CAM to continue providing high quality music instruction and performance opportunities to the children of the Charleston area regardless of background."
Your tax-deductible gift allows CAM to continue providing high quality music instruction and performance opportunities to the children of the Charleston area regardless of background."
As our appreciation for your generosity, we will send you some wonderful gifts according to the level in which your "contribution total" falls under:
FRIEND (if your contribution totals $50~$499)
*copy of CAM DVD
ASSOCIATE (if your contribution totals $500~$1,499)
*copy of CAM DVD
*2 tickets to an IPS concert
PATRON (if your contribution totals $1,500~$2,999)
*copy of CAM DVD
*2 tickets to an IPS concert
*2 CDs from IPS collection
BENEFACTOR (if your contribution totals $3,000~$4,499)
*copy of CAM DVD
*2 tickets to an IPS concert
*3 CDs from IPS collection
*invitation to "Members Only" events
VISIONARY (if your contribution totals $4,500+)
*copy of CAM DVD
*tickets to an IPS concert
*4 CDs from IPS collection
*invitation to "Members Only" events
*one year free tuition at CAM
About The Orchestra Program
CAM's Orchestra Initiative is an intensive orchestra program focused on bringing social and cultural integration and harmony while promoting creativity, teamwork, positive attitude, and strong work ethics. Open to children of all backgrounds, the program is planned to kick off August of 2009 as part of an after school curriculum, every Monday through Friday for two hours. The program will revolve around a full symphony orchestra with music-reading/theory classes, instrumental group classes, sectional rehearsals, and full orchestral rehearsals.
Through this program all children will have equal opportunity to learn and play an instrument, beginning with ages 4 and 5. CAM will provide instruments for participating students and faculty members will give instrumental instructions. Older, advanced students will be encouraged and asked to collaborate with the younger students in an effort to build and create circles of teamwork and cooperation within the program.
This project is modeled after similar successful endeavors from around the globe, such as OrchKids (Baltimore, MD) and the Network of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela ("El Sistema"). In fall of 2008, CAM invited the 'José Artigas Symphony Orchestra,' the flagship of the Uruguayan Network of Youth and Children Orchestras, to give several performances in the Lowcountry. It was a successful visit that reminded us once again why we must continue supporting the fine arts and music education. It is our hope and dream to build a strong musical foundation that is going to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
Through this program all children will have equal opportunity to learn and play an instrument, beginning with ages 4 and 5. CAM will provide instruments for participating students and faculty members will give instrumental instructions. Older, advanced students will be encouraged and asked to collaborate with the younger students in an effort to build and create circles of teamwork and cooperation within the program.
This project is modeled after similar successful endeavors from around the globe, such as OrchKids (Baltimore, MD) and the Network of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela ("El Sistema"). In fall of 2008, CAM invited the 'José Artigas Symphony Orchestra,' the flagship of the Uruguayan Network of Youth and Children Orchestras, to give several performances in the Lowcountry. It was a successful visit that reminded us once again why we must continue supporting the fine arts and music education. It is our hope and dream to build a strong musical foundation that is going to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
Your Gift of Music Options
Orchestra Instruments Instruments that will be needed for the program include 36 violins, 16 violas, 16 cellos, 10 basses, 6 flutes, 3 oboes, 6 clarinets, 6 French horns, 6 trumpets, 6 trombones, 1 piano, and various percussion instruments. When you choose an instrument outfit as your gift, we will honor your generous contribution by adding your name on your chosen instrument as a small sign of our sincere appreciation!
Orchestra Scholarship These scholarship gifts will help cover tuition for deserving students for either one semester ($700) or one year ($1,400). This will include fees for CAM's after school program where students will receive music curriculum based instruction, training, and practice opportunities in a fun, safe, and professionally supervised environment. A nutritious snack and instruments will also be provided.
Honors Program The Honors Program scholarship will help cover tuition for exceptionally talented students in need of financial assistance for either one semester ($1,440) or one year ($2,880). These students receive instruction in chamber music, music theory, and private lessons. They participate in master classes with renowned musicians and have the opportunity to perform in a variety of recitals, including in CAM's Outreach Programs concerts.
General Operations Your gift for general operations will help the day-to-day running and maintenance of our office and administrative duties, as well as cover other miscellaneous needs and supplies. We take great pride in providing the very best music instruction AND client services; thus a smoothly operating office is essential.
Orchestra Scholarship These scholarship gifts will help cover tuition for deserving students for either one semester ($700) or one year ($1,400). This will include fees for CAM's after school program where students will receive music curriculum based instruction, training, and practice opportunities in a fun, safe, and professionally supervised environment. A nutritious snack and instruments will also be provided.
Honors Program The Honors Program scholarship will help cover tuition for exceptionally talented students in need of financial assistance for either one semester ($1,440) or one year ($2,880). These students receive instruction in chamber music, music theory, and private lessons. They participate in master classes with renowned musicians and have the opportunity to perform in a variety of recitals, including in CAM's Outreach Programs concerts.
General Operations Your gift for general operations will help the day-to-day running and maintenance of our office and administrative duties, as well as cover other miscellaneous needs and supplies. We take great pride in providing the very best music instruction AND client services; thus a smoothly operating office is essential.
Story to share
Gary Washington,
A sophmore at Timberland High School, has been studying cello at the Charleston Academy of Music (CAM) with CAM faculty member, Yun Hao Jiang, for the past 3 ˝ years. Gary first auditioned for CAM's Honors Scholarship in the spring of 2006 per the recommendation of his school band director. His audition was not technically impressive: he was holding the bow incorrectly and failed to come prepared with a proper audition piece. However, what drew the judging panel to him was his exuberant energy and obvious passion for music. Thus despite his technical shortcomings, Gary received full scholarship to study at CAM.
It was difficult for Gary's family to support his musical pursuit. Getting to his weekly lessons was another challenge; however, Gary managed to find a ride from a friend who was also studying at CAM. When his friend moved to another town he found it nearly impossible to make it to the academy. Instead of getting discouraged, Gary found another ride from a fellow honors scholarship friend, but he knew that his second ride would not last for too long since this friend a high school senior and would be graduating in June. It was at this point that both Gary and his cello instructor, Yun Hao Jiang, realized that the best option for Gary was to find and apply to a boarding school where he would be able to study music without such worries. Not only did they find the right school, Gary successfully auditioned for acceptance into the prestigious SC Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities in Greenville, SC for Fall 09.
Even with all of the cards stacked against him, Gary never gave up because this is how much music means to him. Gary returned his cello upon graduating from middle school and the high school he was going to attend did not provide a cello he could borrow. Douglas Mitchelle, his Social Studies teacher from Walterboro, took it upon himself and gave him his very first cello. When asked about his lifelong goal and dream, Gary simply answered, "to make my music known to the world." His teachers and instructors have no doubt that his dream will become a reality one day, and they couldn't see it unfolding any other way.
